On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of launching the new rowing season with two outstanding alumnae, Hannah Cowap and Laura Gourley, both from the Class of 2019 who returned to share their experiences and insights with our community. They engaged in a Q&A session with our Captains of Boats, reflecting on their time at Loreto and their impressive achievements in the world of rowing. Hannah recently competed as a cox in the Paralympics in Paris finishing 5th overall, while Laura represented Australia in rowing at the Paris Olympics finishing 8th.

Hannah recalled her fondest memories of Loreto rowing, describing the camaraderie of spending long hours with her teammates. The regular trips to surf and the light-hearted moments shared with the group were among her highlights. Laura shared the same thoughts, especially remembering the sense of connection that developed during long bus rides to and from school and rowing camps. One of her favourite memories was from a camp during nationals in Penrith, where the team stayed at an old place in the Blue Mountains, with "creepy dolls" adding a funny and memorable event to their experience. This shared time helped them bond and, ultimately led to improved performance on the water.

Both Hannah and Laura reflected on the challenges of balancing academic responsibilities with a demanding rowing schedule. They agreed that time management and seeking help from teachers was key to managing their workload. Hannah encouraged current students not to shy away from asking for help when they feel overwhelmed. Laura, having been a boarder, appreciated the structured study time, which made it easier for her to stay on top of schoolwork while managing her rowing commitments. Both emphasised the importance of planning and organisation, skills that have carried over into their university studies and careers in rowing.

As they moved into the senior years, particularly Year 12, the pressure to choose between academics and sport became more noticeable. Laura admitted that during the HSC, it was difficult to balance her time when others were focused solely on studying. However, she believes that rowing through her HSC taught her discipline and helped her perform better academically. Hannah agreed, stressing that it’s about making smart choices and learning to manage the inevitable sacrifices that come with balancing both commitments.

Competing at the Olympics and Paralympics was a surreal experience for both Hannah and Laura. Hannah described the Paralympic village as "Disneyland," with its abundance of free food and the awe-inspiring atmosphere. Racing over three intense days after six months of dedicated training in Canberra was a pressure-filled but deeply rewarding experience. She appreciated the unique energy of Paris, where the games were held against iconic landmarks, creating a thrilling backdrop. Laura similarly described the overwhelming excitement of competing in front of 30,000 people at the Regatta, a huge contrast to the usual crowds of 2,000. The whole experience was thrilling, and she noted how Paris proved to be a perfect host city, with unforgettable moments like beach volleyball under the Eiffel Tower.

Reflecting on their time in Paris, both expressed gratitude for the immense support they received from family, friends, and the Loreto community. Hannah was especially touched by the love and encouragement from home, with a group of 20 family members travelling to cheer her on, and messages of support from past Loreto students. For Laura, the most important takeaway from her Olympic experience was the importance of enjoying the moment, despite the nerves and pressure that come with competing on such a large stage.

Looking back on their school rowing careers, Laura wished she had been more vocal about the injuries she faced, particularly during her Year 12 season. She learned the importance of prioritising recovery and speaking up when something felt wrong. Hannah added that while it’s important to set ambitious goals in sport, it’s equally essential to have fun and not let the stress of competition overshadow the joy of the experience. She emphasised the unique bond that school rowing fosters, where athletes spend years training together in consistent crews, an opportunity that fades as rowing careers progress into the club and national levels.

Both agreed that Loreto rowing played a crucial role in shaping their success. Our strong rowing culture and rigorous training prepared them for the challenges they would face in the sport. For Hannah, the training at school instilled a love for the sport and a work ethic that carried her into elite-level rowing. Laura, who came from Narrabri and wasn’t familiar with rowing before attending Loreto, credited the school with providing her the opportunities that set her on her path. The connections she built at Loreto proved invaluable, opening doors to further opportunities in rowing and beyond.

The journey to the Olympics is never straightforward, and both Hannah and Laura spoke about the unpredictable nature of sport. For Hannah, the opportunity came sooner than she had anticipated, but her hard work and perseverance over the years paid off when she received the call to join the Paralympic team. Laura, who had been training towards the Olympics for three years at the national training centre, had always hoped she could make it, but only realised it was within reach when the call came.

The Loreto Normanhurst rowing community has a long and proud history, and hearing Hannah and Laura’s stories provided inspiration for our current generation of rowers. Their reflections on the importance of teamwork, resilience, and balance serve as a reminder of the life skills that sport reveals, both on and off the water. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for their continued connection to Loreto.